Saturday, July 14, 2012

Welcome to My Happy Place!

I'm so excited!  Why?  Because today is the "Where Bloggers Create" party hosted by the wonderful Karen Valentine at My Desert Cottage.  This is her 4th year doing this, but it's my 3rd year participating.  I look forward to this every year because I just LOVE peeking into other crafters/scrappers/artists rooms.   Some rooms are small, some are the size of my house and others are in a corner of a room.  Yet, each room has its own style and is the creators 'happy place'.    Visiting these blogs has given me so much inspiration and so many ideas of what to do in my room.  

This year, though, I have a different room to share.  I no longer have the room I shared with you for the last two years--read this post to see my "happy place" from the past two years--http://www.scrapmomsmusings.blogspot.com/2010/06/where-i-create.html .  Why?  Because I moved!  My husband and I bought a house last November ---a small 3 bedroom ranch:

but it really didn't have a room for scrapping.  Soooo, my husband did the next best thing---he renovated half the basement for me!  What a guy!   It's taken me several months to get it to this point.  There's still a few more things I want to do---paint, hang up layouts, paint the cellar floor, etc.  

I have to apologize ahead of time for this v-e-r-y  l-o-n-g post.  I didn't realize until I was done how many pictures I shared of my room.  I hope you'll be patient enough to read the post and look at the photos. 

Before I show you my 'new' room, let me show you the BEFORE pictures. 


This is what my room looked like about 2 weeks after moving in.  I wish I had taken a picture of it filled to the ceiling with boxes. 
Arrggh!  What a mess!  I remember just standing there and wondering where to begin!


Okay, well you get the idea of what the room looked like 5 months ago.  My room is by no means glamorous, nor is everything matched exactly.  My room is unique--just like me--with a color scheme (mostly) of blues, pinks and greens.   Just about everything in my room is from yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores and from around the house that didn't serve it's purpose anymore.   It's an eclectic room, but I love it!   So, let's see the transformation now:
Oh, in case you might not have figured it out--I'm a scrapbooker and paper artist.  My love is creating mini albums and altered art.  I occasionally do a layout or two and really need to get back into that. 

This is looking into my 'Happy Place' as you enter through the basement door. ( I am standing in the doorway). My husband built all the shelves for my storage.   Behind this 'wall of shelves' on the other half of the basement, are more shelves for storing household items.  I should tell you that my room measures 15' x 22' approximately.  It's sooo much bigger than the room I had before. 
This view is as you turn to your right.  My worktable is a 6' table from Walmart that is skirted with leftover fabric that I've been saving for 21---yes, 21 years!  I just couldn't get rid of all this fabric--yards and yards of it from the days of sewing---so I used it to make a skirt to hide some items underneath.  This is a no-sew skirt---really easy to make. 
This view is looking to the right near the door where I entered.  (the door is at the right of the paper stacks.  The walls are made of very hard paneling that you can't even nail through.  Everything that is hanging was hung by using a very strong double-sided adhesive--made by 3M I think.

This picture gives you a better view of the entire room--well almost.  To the left are my shelves.  See the hanger right in front?  That will eventually be filled with rolls of ribbon.  The post in front of my worktable is a support post--there's no way to get rid of that!  I also covered the very ugly red and gray painted floor with a white carpet.  I know--I know--who would put a white rug in a basement, but it was the only one I had.  It was left here by my daughter when she moved out.  The wicker unit with the hanger will eventually hold scraps of paper. 

Here's my table showing the assorted panels of fabric for the table skirt.  I hung the skirt to the table using velcro and hid the puckered edges with blue fabric ribbon.  My black desk chair looked out of place with the blues, pinks and greens, so I covered it with a sheet, added a flowered chair cushion and a flowered pillow sham to 'shabby' it up a bit.


Another view of the skirt.

This is one section of my shelves.  I stacked the Sterilite containers (from Walmart) and then my husband built a shelving unit next to it (the one in the distance). 

This gives you a better idea of the shelves.  This is looking to the left of my worktable.  I'm actually standing by the water heater.  Needless to say, my room is quite cozy in the winter, never getting below 64 (honest!) but...it's warm now with a temp of about 72--in the basement!  Yikes!  But, there's no dampness whatsoever.  So I have to have a fan on to keep cool.  I've never known a basement to be so warm before.  Anyway, back to my room....The above picture shows all my Sterilite containers stacked up and are covered with scrapping paper to hide the inside. If you notice the small table in the foreground--that was from a yard sale and is covered with a round battenburg tablecloth.  A half-dome box sits there empty and next to it is my "Captured Fairy Bottle"  from a swap. Above the table hangs half of a 'shoe holder' which is hung on a piece of foamboard.  This foamboard, covered in contact paper, hides the end shelves that holds all our (me and my daughter) page kits, mini album kits, etc.  The 'shoe holder' now stores my glue guns, paper drill, and heat guns.


This is the top of my table.  I haven't seen the top of the table in a long time. 

The brown book case is from a yard sale from along time ago and holds some of my daughters kits, but mostly is a catch-all for items we've bought and just can't find a place for right now.  This book case is at the end of my table to my right.

This white bookcase was also bought at a yardsale for a few dollars and holds my smaller containers.  The bottom shelf stores wooden and acrylic stamps.  The 'tackle' boxes hold a ton of smaller embellies.  The other boxes store embellies related to seasons, holidays, events, etc.

If you were to stand at the end (remember the small table with the battenburg lace?) by that table this is the view:
This tall white bookcase was given to us by a neighbor several years ago when the family split up and moved.  This unit holds more 'stuff' from buttons to incomplete minis.

My buttons stored in Making Memories jars and old food jars.  They sit on a 3 tier shelf bought from Walmart.  I like having my buttons stored by color--it's so much easier for me.

Another flea market item that holds my mini teddies.  I love teddy bears and love to have sentimental items in my room.  Two bigger ones sit on the top. 

Did I mention that I LOVE birdhouses?  Well, I do!  They can be found here and there throughout my room.  This cluster sits on top of the bookcase seen above. 

 I store my lace ribbon and bits of lace, thread 'bobbins' and embroidery floss  in large Mason jars.  I don't use the thread, but I just love how it looks, plus it adds color.

I'm now standing at the 'wall unit' of shelves and looking across the room.  These bookcases were bought at a thrift store.  The white one displays all my mini albums that I've either made or I received in swaps over the years.




  A basket holds magazines, tube of contact paper and yardsticks.  The bag above the basket is a Tim Holtz canvas bag.  The brown bookcase displays more mini albums, holds paper pads/packs as well as sheets of chipboard, page protectors, paper organizers, and God knows what else!  LOL!  The bottom shelf has some of my daughter's things and the beginnings of some of my Project Life items.  See the unit to the bottom right? That is four drawers chock full of chipboard mini albums (to make into minis). 

Another view.  I have three paper stacks that obviously hold my paper.  And, this isn't even all my paper!  I usually sort by manufacturer for the patterned paper and my cardstock is sorted by color. 


Standing in the middle of the room looking slightly to my right.  The table on my right:

It was supposed to be a cutting table for the Cricut, but instead I'm using it for more storage such as:
my handmade Clip it Up.   And...
my punches (in a chipboard suitcase) and an old strainer.   I also have this:
An old wooden jewelry box that displays more swap items.  Above this is my inspiration board:

Next to this table is a smaller computer table (which was discarded).  On this table, I store my Cricut, Cuttlebug, the Cinch, the Slice, a small sewing machine, cutting boards, glass mats and my Brother Sewing Machine (on the bottom):

To the right of this computer table are 2 more bookcases that were part of an entertainment center that we dismantled when we moved. 

And look what's on top:
More birdhouses!  And a birdcage.

A closeup of my Sterilite containers covered with patterned paper and labeled.  The 'topnote' labels came from Michaels for $1.  I just typed up the contents on some paper, printed it, cut it and adhered to the label.  Viola'!

Getting back to my desk, here's what you'll find:
A wooden green bed tray (another yard sale item) sits to the left of me at my table (desk) which displays an altered cigar box from a recent swap; two teacup pin cushions (another swap); a box from Marshall's filled with lace ribbon, remnants and such; and a vintage sewing box filled with more trim.  The cover displays two bracelets made by a friend of mine. These bracelets are made from actual vintage typewriters.  

Beneath this tray are some art supplies--paintbrushes of assorted sizes, baby wipes, old baking pans for heat embossing:

Next to this, stands my large WishNik doll that I've had since I was a child.  A lazy susan holds altered cans for rulers, glue sticks, scissors, pins, and other miscellaneous items:
In front of my WishNik doll is a ceramic purse (flea market item) that holds scissors, pliers, a razor knife, Cricut tools and other assorted tools.   On the right of the desk is a small wooden shelf:

This unit holds a jewelry hanger that I use as a mini clip it up.  On the top is a box filled with cards from swap items and a two tier unit on a lazy susan that holds Ranger Inks, Ink refills, canvas tape and other TH/Ranger products.  Beneath this shelf are boxes of tools so everything is within reach when I work on a project.


Below is a picture of a basket (another flea market find) that stores vintage ephemera.  This basket sits on the wicker unit that will eventually hold my scraps. 

Next to my smaller worktable, I have this metal 3 shelf "thingy".  I store colored pencils in a painted tin coffee pot (another yard sale item)  and beneath that is a flower pot that holds all my decorative scissors:



Did I forget to show you anything?  Whew!, I hope not!  I'm so glad that you stopped by to see my room and I do hope you enjoyed the tour.   I plan on doing a video of it, but that won't be for a few more days.  The video will go into more detail (can you believe that one?!)   

Wishing you an enjoyable day!
Lori

63 comments:

Kathy said...

What an amazing room. Oh, you lucky ducky to have so much space to work with. Love it!

scrappymo! said...

What a great size...mine is half your size and I need more space!

Something Special said...

it is so organized and you have been hard at work in the past 5 months. Looks great!

marie said...

Wow! What an awesome space. It looks like a store...a very well stocked one too!
Love the color coordinating boxes and table skirts. So pretty!

Sandra Kaye said...

You are so much like me...I love to be organized as well!! I love all your papers and punches. thanks for visiting!!

Sandy said...

All your supplies have such a nice
large space to spread out and everything
is in order.. so easy to find things.
Nice
Sandy

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Hi Lori, I can tell that you have much more space than before -- more room to spread out. But you sure have it all neatly organized. You could open your own scrapbook store. ;) Thanks for sharing! Have a great weekend. Tammy

Anonymous said...

I am so glad I came to see your amazingly organized, colourful studio! Your room is so inspiring!

Have a great day!

Ciao Bella
Sensible Sarah

Geralyn Gray said...

I am just amazed how many lbloggers who have participated before have all moved last fall.....me too. It was fun doing this because it was the first and only room I really worked on but it will never be "finished" I love how much paper you have and have it organized....good job.....mine is all in a trunk!

Louise@ElsieMayandBertha said...

You have a lot of paper and so well organised. A lovely studio.

Vicki Dutcher said...

One word WOW! You have done such an excellent job of starting with a huge pile to making it cozy and comfortable! LOVE your wall of shelves - kudos to DH! Thanks for sharing this fabulous space!

LauraO said...

Holy cow! I really love what you did with your workspace! Love love love it! Thanks so much for sharing, I'll be back to look again and again.

Karen Valentine said...

Lori you are one lucky girl!!! That room is awesome! It's like you have a cute, quaint scrapbook store right in your basement!!! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!

Sharon Morrison said...

This is a great inspirational room. Very organized. I love seeing how you store your scrapbook supplies. Next year I will join in this Studio Tour and show where I create.
Thank you for sharing.

Sharon Morrison said...

I love your studio. Very organized and full of fun things to enhance creativity.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Fabulous space, Lori! I love your table and look at all that great storage! It must be great to have all that space to spread out in. Love your shelves; what a great hubby to build them for you. Thanks for the tour!

Unknown said...

It is amazing what you managed to get organized in that amount of time, love it all and so many treasures. Hugs and enjoy the party:) Marilou

Unknown said...

I love your room.
I can see what you mean by "where to start" when you moved.
I would love to come and visit and just poke around.
Awesome space.
Thanks for sharing.
Michele

Linens Lace and Lattes said...

You have done an incredible job of organizing. I would love to spend a day with you creating!
deb

Sandy said...

Oh my goodness a half a basement, you lucky gal! I have some serious paper envy going on after seeing those racks of paper. Thank you for sharing your creative haven.

Denise said...

Oh My Dear!You have more supplies than I've ever seen any one person have.How much fun that must be.I saw one white smaller cabinet that I love.It's filled with small pretty art journals-that's what I enjoy doing too.Amazing room!Denise

Eva Agnes said...

A wonderful place to work in. A lot of my favorite items are in there with you.
Such as all sorts of papers and rosy fabric.
Lovely!
Hugs Eva Agnes

Leanne said...

I absolutely LOVE your space, and could easily find myself scrapbooking right there in the middle of all that great stuff! What a GREAT Space! (This is such fun! I love looking at everyones creative places!!!) Thanks for sharing!

StasaLynn said...

Wow.... I must admit that I have a bit of paper envy after visiting your studio..... I love it.

Keep on creating!

Stacey

Kristi said...

Wow,,what a scrapping paradise! I enjoyed your room so much! I can tell you love it, it looks so homey and I like how all your supplies are close by. All I would need is a bathroom and coffee pot and I would never come out!

Cache-Mire said...

Amazing transformation! Love how everything got organized and how nice it all looks! Thanks for sharing.
~ Terri

Cheryl said...

Lordy, Lordy... look at your beautiful studio!!!!!!! Wowzers!!

just me... jan said...

Lori...
WOW! You've got some space to spread out there don't ya girlfriend!!! ROFLOL You must feel you're in hog heaven surrounded by all your "stuff"!!! I LOVE how you've "lined" the front of your plastic bin drawers...I've just used white cardstock on mine...might have to lift your idea!! And don't ya just think those drawers are just the best thing since sliced bread?!!?? Anyhoo...good job darlin'...you did yourself proud!

just me...sendin' snaps from Texas...jan

Melanie Statnick said...

THis is huge! YOu have so much room and your paper stack is amazing!!

Kathleen Conard said...

Your creative space is wonderful and I love all of the different ways you have organized your space! Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

Judys Lace Creations said...

Oh my Lordy Lori!!I'd never come outa there if I went into your space to create.WOWIE!!!
Thanks for the peek!!

Cat Stegall said...

wow! looks like a great place to spend the rest of my life! HAH!! hugs

Charmaine Hansen said...

Looks like you have a creative time in your space...Colorful and fun...Beautiful and relaxed!!!
Charmaine

Rebecca Nelson said...

Lori...girlfriend! WOWZERS! I love your space and I'm blown away out how organized it is. You are sooo talented. I've never seen such a well appointed place. LOVE IT!

Thanks for sharing with us!

xoRebecca

fairyrocks said...

You've come a long way in 2 weeks. WOW happy for you that you have a house and a space of your own.
Good on your DH for building such a great space. Keep smiling and happy creating.
PS- I call my space my
'happy place' too good things in and out only !!

Deb S said...

Look at all that storage. Nice to have a helpful, handy hubby, huh? Thankfully, I have one also. Your studio looks great already. Enjoy!

Blessed Serendipity said...

What a before and after. Everything is so organized. I love your space.

Danielle

Maureen Hayes said...

Lori,

What a lucky lady to get to use most of the basement for your studio! You did a terrific job of fixing it up and organizing everything. Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed seeing your space.

Unknown said...

I can see why you call your creative space..your Happy Place! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Lorena

art by pam said...

I can see why you call your studio "Happy Place" Everything is so
organized...You have done a great job getting everything pulled together after all that moving. I know it was a job. Been there done that! Thanks for stopping by earlier...Pam

Mari Brown and Colourblob said...

Fun seeing your space, your first few pictures looks like what my space is looking like right now (just moved in) and it will look like that until it starts to cool down... But seeing what you were able to do shortly after sure gives me inspiration and the drive to start working : ) You have a very happy and great space to create all your happy creations. Thank you for showing your space

Mari

Thespoena McLaughlin said...

I think you've got a great space. The eclectic mix of colors and patterns all works together very well. What a fun "happy place" to be! Thanks for sharing.

Laura Quaglia (Fun With This and That) said...

very nice allot of room surprised it is warm.
Paper is like at Hobby Lobby Laura

Shari Replogle said...

Awesome creative space and so well organized ! I can see why it is your Happy Place :)
~Shari

Elizabeth Johnson said...

I haven't even been this organized in my dreams! I'm very impressed. Thank you for sharing.
Elizabeth

Donna Nowicki French said...

I absolutely adore your space. I always wanted a big basement to put all my stuff in. Maybe some day.

Donna

Anonymous said...

What amazing work you and your husband did to make this place a dream creative place.
I love your birdhouses collection.

Thank you very much for stopping by my blog and for your comments.

have a nice creative summer. Blessings and Bonjour de France !

Hélène

Diana said...

Hi, Your room looks like a treasure chest of goodness. You and your husband did a great job with it. I love your birdhouses & would love to poke through all of your containers. Have a great day.

Anonymous said...

I love how you've organized your supplies, especially the paper. And the skirt is clever and beautiful!

Doni said...

Hi Lori!
I love your space! You've really made it a spot where you can be extra creative...I love how you use jars and trays for displaying your goodies too...I know how much more I use things if I SEE them!!
So glad you let us in your creative space and shared with us!
Blessings, Doni

Kadee Willow said...

You would never know by looking at your space, that you had recently moved in! Now the question we all want to know..... do you rent your handy-dandy husband out??!! Impressive work with all that shelving! You can clearly see that your space is your comfort zone.. a place to retreat to and relax. Thanks for sharing!

Lynette Killam said...

Your studio is fantastic, Lori...what a great job you've done organizing it! I'm envious of your great stacks of paper...one never seems to get enough of it, after all...lol!

Thank you so much for sharing this inspirational space...:)

Hazel (Didos) said...

WOW what a great space, thanks for sharing and dropping by my blog too, Love Hazelxo

donna said...

What a great space. Looks like you have a lot of room. Thank you so much stopping by my blog and for the sweet comments.
Hugs
donna

Ellie said...

Be still my heart. I am in love with your studio. Your organization is unbelievable. Can I come over and take lessons!

The bottles of buttons really talk to me.

Thanks for sharing.

Maureen said...

Now THAT's a well-stocked, well-organized craft room! I love the bird houses and cages too. Awesome! Thank you for the tour!

Marlynne said...

My My My! That was a huge job to get all that organized! It does look very inviting! Congratulations on your new location!

awal.ny said...

Wow, you have a lot of fun stuff to be creative with. Such a large space too.

Susan ~ Killam Creative said...

Great space! I love the pastel colors on the bins. Neat to use the jewelry hanger as an embellishment holder and the old jewelry box for pretty bits. As I was strolling around your studio I had a idea to make a fabric and lace skirt for my glass lazy Susan to "warm it up". Thanks for the inspiration!

Cheers,
Susan

Susan ~ Killam Creative said...

..."an" idea....

Creative Grammie said...

OMG! You have an even bigger space now, how wonderful. I'm sure you have tons of fun creating your journals and mini scrapbooks. Always wonderful to visit with you, thanks for sharing.

Sherry said...

Your space is so large and it is just fabulous. Everything you need to spend hours creating. I love the idea of using fabric to curtain the tables. Thanks for sharing your amazing space.

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

Oh my golly, what a transformation. I can see a pattern that is fun. It's pastels.
Love the bottons mostly. It looks so fun.

cindy@stitches